I’m not a vegetarian, but I’m trying really hard to eat less meat. I got on board with Meatless Mondays, and have expanded that to a few other days of the week. The older I get, the more I see that meat upsets my digestive system, so I’m trying to focus on more plant-based meals. But I love me some bacon. And a good cheeseburger sometimes hits the spot. Yet I see the ethical dilemma as well. I surely love many animals more than many humans, sad to say.

One of the founders of the Meatless Monday movement is Mary McCartney (the daughter of my first boyfriend, when I was eight). Mary now has an interesting cooking show on Food Network, available for streaming on Discovery +, and one that I highly recommend. Mary seems to be full-on vegan, which I could never be, but I’m always looking for some good vegetarian dishes, and I think she brought some great recipes to her show.

Being that she is half British, I was skeptical about how tasty her dishes would be. After all, the Queen won’t allow garlic anywhere near her plate. But Mary’s mum, Linda, was an American, who went to college in Tucson, so she brought a love of spice and flavor to the family meals. Mary carries on that tradition with many recipes that seem to have a lot of flavor.

Today, I made a vegetarian sandwich inspired by one she made on one of her episodes. Mine was not vegan, as I added cheese. But I have to say, it was one of the most satisfying sandwiches I have ever eaten. Here is my adapted recipe:

• sourdough bread slices, toasted

• avocado

• humus (I used a Kalamata olive humus, but taste is up to you)

• cheese (of your choice)

• fresh tomato slices

• capers

• romaine lettuce leaves

• sliced red onions

• sliced cucumbers

• dash of salt, pepper, and olive oil vinagrette dressing

Other options in the future: alfalfa spouts (I could not find them in my store); radishes; other veggies.

Toast the bread; use a spoon to scoop out the ripened avocado into each slice of bread. Put cheese on one slice. Add the humus on the other slice. Add tomatoes, capers, salt, pepper, red onions, cucumbers, lettuce leaves. Add a dash of olive oil vinaigrette. Bring together and slice in half, Then enjoy.